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A surround can be manufactured with a variety of materials — including things like tile or glass — but in general it is simply a term for the waterproof materials that help funnel water down to your shower drain and keep your walls dry.
What is a shower surround made of?
An important consideration when shopping for a new tub, shower or surround is the type of material of which the unit is made. The most commonly used materials are fiberglass, acrylic, PVC, solid surface materials, steel and cast iron.
What can I use for shower surround?
6 Shower Surround Options for your Bathroom Fiberglass. Fiberglass is an easy, low-cost option for your shower surround. Cultured Marble. Cultured marble adds a more elegant look, along with the ability to customize your shower. Tile. Acrylic. Stone. Glass.
What is a tile surround shower?
Shower surrounds are made of hard materials that protect the walls around your shower from moisture. Tile surrounds and acrylic wall surrounds are both waterproof, and they help give your shower a finished look. Before deciding which to install around your shower, it helps to know the pros and cons of each material.
What is a tub and shower surround?
A bathtub surround is a vertical surface material that protects the walls just above a bathtub or bathtub/shower unit.
What goes behind a shower surround?
Install cement board behind tub and shower enclosures. Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints.
What does a shower surround cost?
Shower Installation Cost Calculator Item Low High Shower Surround and Fixtures stall $400 – $650 $400 $650 shower/tub combo $550 – $1,100 $550 $1,100 Standard fiberglass shower and tub surround with builder or retail grade fixtures. Price does not include sales tax.
How do I know if my shower surround is fiberglass or acrylic?
Looking closely at the edges of your tub, thin edges could mean fiberglass, while thicker edges could indicate acrylic. Another tip to rule out cast iron as a material, hold a magnet to the side and see if it sticks. If it does not stick, you most likely have either fiberglass or acrylic.
How long do tub surrounds last?
Swanstone bathtub surrounds You can order matching solid-surface trim kits that eliminate the need for tile around the edge. Expect a life span of 30-plus years. Some brands include a lifetime warranty.
Do you put drywall behind a shower surround?
Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.
Should I put drywall behind tub surround?
The short answer to the question is, “It’s not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you’re converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.
Can you use plywood behind shower walls?
Plywood: Water-Prone, Not Code Since plywood is often used as an underlayment for floor tile, some do-it-yourselfers may believe that it can also be used in shower wall applications.
Is it cheaper to tile a shower or buy a surround?
Because they are less laborious to install, surrounds are often less expensive than tile. Some high-end materials, however, such as granite, may be more expensive than tiling with some grades of tile.
How do you install tile over a shower surround?
Step 1: Create a Template. Step 2: Lay Out Your Tile Pattern. Step 3: Cut Edge Tiles. Step 4: Create Chalk Lines. Step 5: Apply Tile Glue. Step 6: Attach the Tiles. Step 7: Make Additional Chalk Lines. Step 8: Finish Attaching Tiles.
Can you mix and match tubs and surrounds?
Making sure that the new surround matches your existing tub will make it look like it was planned and ensure all of the fixtures go together. Mismatched fixtures will draw the eye, and it may serve to accentuate the age differences between the fixtures.
What is a good tub surround?
The Best Bathtub Surrounds Swanstone Panel Bathtub Wall Kit. Mustee 660WHT Fiberglass Bathtub Wall Surround. Durawall Thermoplastic Bathtub Wall Surround. Maax FINESSE 5PC Wall Surround. Mermaid Bath and Shower Walls. Kinro Composites Bathtub Surround. DreamLine QWALL-Tub, Acrylic Backwall Kit In White.
How long does it take to install a shower surround?
For a typical tub with a tile tub surround to be removed and the walls of the surround replaced you are looking at at least 3 days for simple tile, although there are ways to shorten this. It will take about a half day to get rid of the old one.
Can you put shower wall panels over tiles?
Can you put bathroom wall panels over tiles? Yes, you can install wall panels over your existing tiles. While tiles are waterproof, panels are completely water-resistant owing to their PVC finish or laminate coating. This also protects your walls from a build-up of condensation, which can lead to mould and fungus.
Do you need cement board behind tub surround?
ANSWER – No there should not be a gap between the top of the bathtub flange and the backer board on the wall. There should be a moisture barrier behind the backer board that is installed in a weather lapping manner starting at the tub flange working up the wall.
Do you need insulation behind shower walls?
When tubs and showers are installed on exterior walls, builders may forget to insulate and air seal the exterior wall behind the tub or shower surround. Neglecting to insulate and air seal here can result in significant heat loss and complaints from homeowners about tubs, showers, and bathrooms that are always cold.
